<p> COLLEGE OF WILLIAM AND MARY TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER OFFICE</p><p>TITLE (AND CASE NUMBER) OF INVENTION PATTERNED AND CONTINUOUS SURFACE-METALLIZED POLYMER STRUCTURES (0802)</p><p>INVENTORS David W. Thompson, Luke M. Davis, Christopher J. Abelt</p><p>APPLICATIONS Fabrication of surface-silvered polymer substrates for use as films, coatings, devices, etc. Useful applications include EM shielding, photovoltaics, and microelectronics.</p><p>SUMMARY The present invention is a simple and efficient process for producing polymer articles having a conductive silver surface. Surface-metallized polymer films are traditionally prepared by two dominant approaches: 1) physical metal vapor deposition and 2) electroless metal deposition. These processes require at least two distinct and separate stages: 1) preparation of the polymer film, and 2) subsequent deposition of the metal. For passive or noble metals such as silver, palladium, and gold, the adhesion of the metal to the polymer is singularly inadequate. We have developed a simple process for taking poly(amic acid)s, mixed poly(amic acid)-polyimides, polyimides and other polymers which have free carboxylic acid or carboxylate groups or sulfonic acid or sulfonate groups or other acidic and hydrophilic groups, and making these polymers optically reflective and electrically conductive in such a manner that the polymers as films, coatings, devices, and objects can be used to produce: 1) metallic electrical circuits on dielectric platforms, 2) metallic antennas on and embedded in dielectric materials, 3) metallic coatings and housings for electromagnetic shielding, 4) electromagnetic radiation reflective metallized films (mirrors) on flexible dielectric bases, 5) anti-static, charge dissipative coatings, 6) anti-infective coatings, 7) decorative objects, and 8) reflective metallic interiors of hollow waveguides. The process is versatile, and also compatible with many manufacturing/production techniques. For example, this technique can be used to produce patterned conductive surfaces using ink-jet printing technology.</p><p>PATENT STATUS Pending U.S. Patent Application No. 11/950,475</p><p>CONTACT INFORMATION Jason McDevitt (757-221-1751); [email protected]</p>